Back in 1996 there was no joy in the province of Manitoba. That was the year they were forced to watch their beloved Winnipeg Jets pack their bags and head south to the desert of Arizona to become the Phoenix Coyotes. Now, after 15 long years without an NHL franchise the city of Winnipeg finally has their Jets back.

True they aren't the same franchise that left all those years ago. The Coyotes remain in the desert (for now). Instead the Atlanta Thrashers are the team on the move, and will call Winnipeg home this season.

Though the team won't boast stars of the caliber of Bobby Hull, Dale Hawerchuk, Teemu Selanne and Keith Tkachuk, they do have some key pieces in place that should allow them to be competitive in their first season back in the NHL. Andrew Ladd and Dustin Byfuglien are both extremely talented and both have Stanley Cup rings from their time with the Chicago Blackhawks. Youngster Evander Kane is coming into his own and is poised to have a breakout year, and defenseman Zach Bogosian just signed a new deal that should help stabilize the Jets' blueline for years to come.

No, the Jets won't be a Stanley Cup contender just yet, but just the fact that they are back in Winnipeg is plenty of reason to smile. Cheer on your Jets. Pick up a Winnipeg Jets snapback hat today.